Culinary Arts Programs

Lil' Cooking Club provides preschoolers ages 3 to 5 with a fun, social and creative environment to learn and be introduced to culinary arts. As a hands-on activity, with required parent engagement, preschoolers will learn concepts and skills including: language and vocabulary, fine motor coordination, mathematical skills, problem solving and social skills. As a reminder, parent participation is required (this is NOT a drop off program).

Registration Information

Fall 2026

Registration for the fall 2026 sessions opens Sept. 1 for city residents and Sept. 15 for non-city residents.

Space is limited and registration is handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is open until filled. If registration is filled, you may enroll on the waiting list. Under-registered sessions may be canceled with a full refund. Register in person at the PRCA Administrative Office located at the Thomas Center, Building B, 3rd Floor, 306 NE Sixth Ave., 32601, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. or you can register online.

Registration Fees

The registration fee is $31.50 per child (resident) and $39.37 per child (non-resident).

Register Online

Program Information

Lil’ Cooking Club – Session A (ages 3-5) @ Albert “Ray” Massey Recreation Center
Nov. 10, 17 and Dec. 1, 8
Tuesdays | 6:30-7:30 p.m.
*No sessions Thanksgiving week

Lil’ Cooking Club – Session B (ages 3-5) @ Albert “Ray” Massey Recreation Center
Nov. 12, 19 and Dec. 3, 10
Thursdays | 6:30-7:30 p.m.
*No sessions Thanksgiving week

The Lil’ Cooking Club program is offered once a year in the fall; enrollment for Tuesday or Thursday sessions are available each season. Participants will meet for 1 hour per session over 4 sessions in the evenings from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. Parent participation is required (this is NOT a drop off program).

Program Location

The Lil’ Cooking Club program is offered at the Albert “Ray” Massey Recreation Center located at 1001 NW 34th Street, 352-334-2821.

Grillers

The earlier youth discover the finer points of food, the richer and more nutritional lives they will lead. Youth ages 6-12 learn essential cooking techniques on a grill or griddle, and work alongside peers to gain and develop new culinary skills in the Grillers program.

Registration Information

• Registration for the Grillers sessions for city residents and for non-city residents opens Dec. 1 (city residents) and Dec. 15 (non-city residents).

Space is limited and registration is handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is open until filled. If registration is filled, you may enroll on the waiting list. Under-registered sessions may be canceled with a full refund. Register in person at the PRCA Administrative Office located at the Thomas Center, Building B, 3rd Floor, 306 NE Sixth Ave., 32601, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. or you can register online.

Registration Fees

The registration fee is $36.75 per child (resident) and $45.50 per child (non-resident).

Register Online

Winter 2027

Program Information

Grillers – Session A (ages 6-12) at Eastside Community Center
Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22
Mondays | 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Grillers – Session B (ages 6-12) at Eastside Community Center
Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25
Thursdays | 6:30-7:30 p.m.

The Grillers program is offered once a year in the winter; enrollment for Monday sessions are available each season. Participants will meet for 1 hour per session over four sessions in the evenings from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Program Location

The Grillers program is offered at the Eastside Community Center located at 2841 E. University Avenue (352-334-2714).